Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pinky Uttayaya-Andrews, Founder of Zenergy Fitness & Performance, located in Cockeysville, MD, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Zenergy Fitness & Performance offers mobile and online private personal training, family fitness, and nutrition coaching. We specialize in holistic whole-body coaching utilizing our 7-pillar approach to educate and empower our clients on mindset, physical fitness, proper nutrition, stress management, sleep management, active and passive recovery techniques, and social well-being. Our clients know that their health is not an overnight success and are focused on adopting sustainable lifestyle changes.

Tell us about yourself

I've always been into fitness and sports since a young age. I started training friends for fun and as a hobby. I never considered working in the fitness industry until later in life. Coming from a family of doctors, I always wanted to be a doctor, so I pursued being a veterinarian. In my last year of veterinary school, I discovered physical rehabilitation for animals and fell in love. After graduating from vet school, I lost my desire to work as a veterinarian. I was doing personal training on the side, and it became apparent I no longer wanted to be in the vet field.

My clients encouraged me to start my fitness business, and since doing so, it has been an incredible experience. I have been able to take my medical and fitness knowledge to help my clients redefine their lives and overcome years of chronic pain. My clients walk away with a better understanding of their overall health and how they can develop a positive relationship with their medical team. Still wanting to practice as a doctor, I plan on pursuing my doctorate in physical therapy, which will further expand and elevate my business.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Growing my business during the pandemic. Having a mobile and online business kept my business alive while brick-and-mortar businesses were shutting down. Because of my medical background, my clients were extremely supportive and entrusted me with their safety during the pandemic.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Learning along the way. You wear the hats of every department in your business and having to learn all of them while creating the systems that will work best for you can be overwhelming.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Create time blocks for yourself and for the business. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of starting your business and working non-stop, but this will eventually lead to burnout. Self-care is crucial so create healthy habits that will promote productivity and a balanced lifestyle.
  2. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Invest in yourself and in the business by hiring other professionals/coaches to assist you with your weaknesses. As a business owner, you wear all the hats, and it's okay not to know everything, so outsource to someone who can get the job done correctly and efficiently.
  3. Write a business plan. This is non-negotiable. A well-thought-out business plan will allow you to see the whole picture and prepare for the unexpected. Consider a business plan as a guide. The plan is meant to be fluid, so as you grow and your thought process evolves, your business plan will go through revisions.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://zenergyfp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenergyfp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenergyfitperform/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinky-uttayaya-andrews-b3b978a5/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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